A senior at Liberty High School named Addison Barnes caused a stir when she showed up to class wearing a T-shirt that said “Donald J. Trump Border Wall Construction Co.”
Barnes was ordered to leave for the day after refusing to cover up or change his clothing in response to the school’s protests. Barnes claimed that his First Amendment rights had been infringed upon and filed a lawsuit against the school with the backing of his parents.
Barnes received an official apology from the school administration and a $25,000 compensation from the school system to cover his legal bills as a result of the lawsuit’s success.
Some people thought Barnes’ shirt was disrespectful, but others regarded it as a statement of his freedom to voice his political opinions. The case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding free speech in schools and the balance between protecting students’ safety and upholding their constitutional rights.
